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Amy Ruegg wrote, “I thought you might enjoy seeing my amphibian friends found at the Hot Spot! A juvenile Western Toad was hopping enthusiastically over the rounded river stones and was so challenging to photograph." The Hot Spot is on The Sea Ranch, a sunny place along the Gualala River.

Amy continues, "A Rough-skinned Newt was squirming quickly into the fallen leaves at river’s edge. They are so cute and surprisingly bright orange underneath I am wishing for rain while I enjoy autumn’s abundance!”

Thanks to Amy for allowing me to share her photos with you here.

The smoke is much less today and the humidity is higher. With a series of three storms headed our way, we are (literally) breathing easier.

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When Craig Tooley has time to roam the Mendonoma coast, great photos are sure to come in. Here is a Cooper's Hawk.

Craig noticed this White-tailed Hawk soaring through the sky.

And, finally, a magnificent Red-tailed Hawk.

Thanks to Craig for allowing me to share his photos with you here. To see much more of Craig's nature photography, here is the link to his website: www.ruffimage.com

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Paul Brewer was driving by Elk when he saw the big Roosevelt Elk with a small herd of domestic cows. He pulled over, grabbed his camera and walked back to the group. The cows came running, thinking Paul was going to feed them. The Elk followed too.

He has been here by himself for many months now. He needs a mate! Maybe in a few months when his hormones kick in.

Thanks to Paul for allowing me to share his photos with you here. To see much more of Paul's nature photography, here is the link to his website: http://www.capturingnatureswonders.com/

Some smoke moved in earlier today; yesterday we had blue skies. Rain is coming though. We can't wait!

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The two Bald Eagles, presumably the two who were here last winter and spring, have returned. Mike Wilson photographed one recently by the Gualala River.

We hope this coming year that they will build a nest and start a family right here in Gualala. Bald Eagles are expanding their territory northward along the coast. In Jenner, a mated pair raised a chick last spring. A Bald Eagle has been seen to our north near Little River. It's thrilling to see them here again. Their numbers were decimated by the chemical DDT, which made the shells of their eggs so thin that they broke when the mother sat on them. With the phase out of DDT in 1972, eagles, brown pelicans, peregrine falcons and ospreys began their recovery. It took decades, but their numbers have increased. We are privileged to see all of these birds here on the Mendonoma coast.

Thanks to Mike for allowing me to share his photos with you here.

Our skies are blue today as the smoke from the Butte County fires is going south of us. The first blue skies we've seen since one week ago.

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The smoke is much less today, thank goodness, and we expect rain next week. While the onshore breeze brought heavy smoke over the Mendonoma coast, the smoke turned the sun, and the moon, a scarlet red at times. Ron Bolander photographed this sight a few days ago. Look at the red/orange "pathway" across the Pacific Ocean.

Barry Weiss captured it too.

Craig Tooley photographed The Sea Ranch White Barn in the smoky air.

And Paul Palestrini photographed a fiery sunset.

Lastly, Ruth Alexander photographed this amazing sunrise at The Sea Ranch.

Everyone is praying for rain and the end of the terrible fires, and we are so sad for those who  have lost everything. Many of us knew someone who lived in Paradise. We always hold our breath this time of year, knowing everything is so dry. With rain forecast for next week, we can let that breath out in relief.

Thanks to Ron, Barry, Craig, Paul and Ruth for allowing me to share their photos with you here.